Carotid sheath

Carotid sheath is a condensation of fibroaveolar tissue around the main vessels of the neck. These are the common carotid and the internal carotid arteries, the internal jugular vein and the vagus nerve.

Relations

1. The ansa cervicalis lies embedded in the anterior wall of the carotid sheath.
2. The cervical sympathetic chain lies behind the sheath.
3. The carotid sheath is overlapped by sternocleidomastoid and is fused to the first three layers of the deep cervical fascia.